DPT 6207 - Physical Agents Lecture

Credits: 2 hrs

This course gives an overview of the principles of management of patients using therapeutic modalities including, but not limited to, superficial heating and cold modalities, light therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, manual therapy, massage, vasopneumatic devices, and traction. Pain science, tissue healing, and patient education will form the context for the application of therapeutic agents. The overall emphasis of the course will be learning safe, effective, autonomous practice utilizing therapeutic agents. Students are expected to integrate their knowledge of kinesiology, physics, anatomy, and physiology from previous courses to safely utilize therapeutic agents for patients. Emphasis will be on the care of the patient with orthopedic, neuromuscular dysfunction, and multi-system involvement who require therapeutic agents. The objectives of this course will include goal setting, direct intervention in relation to prescribing and applying therapeutic agents, monitoring response to therapeutic techniques, and the provision of patient education as it relates to therapeutic techniques. Lectures, demonstrations, case studies, required readings, and laboratory activities will reinforce clinical logic and help students learn to apply therapeutic agents primarily to adult patients with various conditions.